$A2 mill and our best wishes

In their hour of need . . . it’s a standard phrase in times of emergency and panic.Yet it applies very much to Australia and its people, struggling to cope with natural disasters at both ends of the vast country.First the floods of a lifetime ravaged the flat plains of Far North Queensland, leaving some communities isolated for weeks. Now, the attention of the whole world has been seized via news reports by the grim bushfire disasters of Victoria, the southernmost state on the mainland.

At least 180 people have died in the flames of the bush fires in Victoria and more are expected to be added to the toll when the fires abate and rescuers can sift through the blackened remnants of homes.In the settled history of Australia, there has not been a disaster on this scale.Whole townships have been wiped out. Families have been divided, permanently. In some cases, members of families were caught in different places and, when returning home, have found parents or children gone.

Most Australians living in rural communities are prepared for bush fires, they live with the annual threat at this time of year. But this year, it has gone beyond all the expectations. Dry winds whipped to high speed have caught the people off-guard. No fire service could cope with the sudden ravaging power of these winds.Now the offers of help are pouring in, including a donation of $A2 million from the Government of Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare says: “I have followed these two disasters on television and am extremely shocked by the toll exacted on the people of Queensland and Victoria.

As a friendly neighbour, PNG remembers the numerous times the Australia Government and people have stood by us during our times of need.“While I know that the inherent strength of the spirit and will of the Australian people will eventually see them through the two disasters, I hope the $A2 million will be used to ease the suffering of those affected.“I hope the donation further cements the already strong bond of friendship that exists between the two governments and peoples.’’Amen to that, Sir Michael.

There are times when the two countries don’t see eye to eye, that is entirely natural. But now is the time for good neighbourly relations to predominate. Certainly many individuals in PNG have fond memories of Australians and will wish them the best in recovering from this calamity.

Source: The Post Courier Editorial


*** Australia; relentlessly pours everything into PNG both in good and bad times and it's a disgrace to see Papua New Guinea waited that long to send a mere $A2 million. An effort of helping in cash and kind in times of disasters and need is appreciated but the quicker to respond makes a great difference. Who knows, PNG might be looking for money until they found it.
To the Aussies, our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of loss and bereavement.